Do you wake up with sore jaw muscles or light headaches? Or maybe your sleep partner has heard you grinding and gnashing at night? If so, you might be suffering from bruxism, which is unconsciously clenching or grinding your teeth constantly.
While occasional teeth grinding may not cause significant harm, long-term bruxism can have serious effects on your health, a warning too many people might not take seriously enough.
Over time, the constant pressure and friction can lead to a variety of health issues, ranging from dental problems to chronic pain in the jaw and head, independently of how severe your symptoms can be.
Understanding the effects of long-term bruxism on your health is crucial in order to take preventative measures and seek appropriate treatment. In today’s blog post, we will delve into the potential consequences of chronic teeth grinding and how it can impact your overall well-being.
Defining Teeth Grinding or Bruxism
Bruxism, characterized by the unconscious grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth, can have a significant impact on quality of life and life expectancy, according to the latest research. While occasional teeth grinding may not cause serious harm, persistent and untreated sleep bruxism can lead to permanent dental damage, resulting in symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, tooth sensitivity or damage, and disrupted sleep.
These symptoms can have secondary consequences on overall health, affecting both children and adults, with up to 30% of children and 10% of adults experiencing chronic bruxism. Factors such as stress, anxiety, and misaligned teeth are often associated with bruxism, which can be managed through methods like mouthguards, stress management techniques, and dental interventions.
It is important to note that while awake bruxism is more common, sleep bruxism, which often goes unreported, can have serious implications on an individual’s well-being and longevity.
Awake Bruxism and Sleep Bruxism
Awake bruxism, characterized by the continuous clenching and grinding of teeth during waking hours, presents a significant risk of permanent dental damage if not addressed. This condition can result in various oral health issues, such as worn or loose teeth, tooth sensitivity, and jaw pain.
On the other hand, sleep bruxism occurs when individuals unknowingly clench or grind their teeth at night and while asleep. This phenomenon is prevalent among both children and adults. Studies show that similar to awake bruxism, it is more common in children than in adults, with only around 13% of adults consistently exhibiting bruxism in various research studies.
Symptoms and Signs
The most common symptoms and signs of teeth grinding are:
Jaw Pain
Excessive pressure from grinding teeth can strain and inflame the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the connection between the jawbone and skull. This can lead to discomfort and pain in the jaw area. Neglecting treatment for teeth grinding may cause lasting dental harm to the TMJ.
Facial Pain
Facial pain commonly arises from teeth grinding, caused by the continuous pressure and tension exerted on the jaw and facial muscles, specifically the masseter and temporalis muscles, as well as surrounding tissues. This discomfort can present in various forms, such as jaw, temple, or cheek soreness, aches, or tenderness. The persistent clenching and grinding of teeth can induce muscle fatigue and inflammation, resulting in pain and discomfort.
Facial pain due to bruxism can impact sleep, eating habits, speech & communication, and overall quality of life, creating a cycle of chronic pain that can worsen bruxism and further disrupt sleep patterns.
Headaches and Migraines
Grinding the teeth overworks the jaw muscles, causing tension that can result in tension-type headaches radiating to the temples and forehead. This muscular strain can also contribute to migraines by putting pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to inflammation that affects the trigeminal nerve.
Activation of the trigeminal nerve can trigger migraines, characterized by severe headaches along with symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. So, bruxism indirectly causes headaches and migraines by straining the muscles responsible for jaw movements and the jaw joint, resulting in tension headaches and triggering migraines through trigeminal nerve activation.
Tooth Enamel Loss
Severe bruxism is often accompanied by noticeable erosion and loss of tooth enamel, which serves as the tough outer protective layer of teeth. The continuous clenching and grinding associated with this condition can gradually wear down the enamel, resulting in its loss and causing chipped and broken teeth.
As a consequence, individuals may experience heightened tooth sensitivity due to the exposure of the underlying dentin. Furthermore, the depletion of tooth enamel can render teeth more vulnerable to dental decay and cavities.
Sensitive Teeth
Teeth grinding can lead to tooth enamel erosion, resulting in increased tooth sensitivity. The compromised enamel may expose the dentin, which houses microscopic tubules linked to the dental nerve endings, leading to sensitivity. Individuals with sensitive teeth might feel pain or discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and even while brushing their teeth.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders are frequently connected with teeth grinding and can act as both indicators and contributors to this problem. One prevalent sleep disorder associated with teeth grinding is sleep apnea, a condition marked by breathing pauses during sleep that may trigger episodes of teeth grinding.
Additional signs of sleep disorders that may suggest teeth grinding include snoring, disturbed sleep, and daytime exhaustion.
It is essential to acknowledge all these signs in order to detect and tackle the problem of teeth grinding before it results in lasting dental harm.
Risk Factors and Causes
One of the main factors that can lead to teeth grinding or bruxism is the presence of specific risk factors. These risk factors can heighten the chances of developing bruxism and can result in lasting dental harm if not addressed promptly.
High levels of stress and anxiety are well-known risk factors for bruxism. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, dentists observed an increase in bruxism cases, largely due to unmanaged stress-related clenching and grinding. Additionally, certain lifestyle habits like smoking, drug use, and excessive alcohol consumption have been linked to an elevated risk of bruxism or exacerbating existing conditions.
Medical conditions such as sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can also contribute to bruxism. Neurological and movement disorders like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s, and cerebral palsy are known to be associated with bruxism as well.
While the exact causes of bruxism remain unclear, it is believed to stem from a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic factors. Addressing these underlying causes and risk factors is crucial in preventing permanent dental damage.
Long-Term Effects of Teeth Grinding on Your Oral Health
If teeth grinding is not addressed as soon as possible, it can lead to serious long-term consequences for your health.
And not just oral health but your general well-being, with recent research providing evidence that chronic bruxing can have severe implications on your quality of life in more ways than you think.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Chronic teeth grinding can cause lasting harm to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to a variety of oral health problems. The TMJ is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull, facilitating smooth jaw movement. When bruxism becomes a persistent behavior, it places excessive strain on the TMJ. This prolonged pressure can eventually lead to the development of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a condition characterized by persistent pain, stiffness, and restricted jaw movement.
The lasting repercussions of TMD can significantly impact oral health, potentially resulting in tooth wear, fractures, and even tooth loss. The continuous grinding and clenching can also trigger muscle tension and inflammation in the nearby tissues, leading to facial pain, headaches, and challenges in opening and closing the mouth.
Tooth Loss
The continuous grinding places an abnormal strain on the teeth, resulting in the erosion of tooth enamel, fractures, and potential tooth loss. Repeated grinding motion can compromise the strength of the teeth, making them more prone to decay and damage. Ultimately, tooth loss may necessitate treatment such as bridges, veneers, dentures, or dental implants for restoration.
Gum Recession and Disease
The excessive pressure exerted on the gums during constant grinding of the teeth can cause them to recede gradually.
This gum recession exposes the tooth roots, rendering them more prone to decay and sensitivity.
Importantly, the exposed roots lack the protective enamel found on the tooth crowns, making them susceptible to damage and infections. Gum recession also forms pockets between the gums and teeth, creating spaces that can harbor bacteria and food debris. This accumulation can contribute to the onset of gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis.
If not addressed, gum disease can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and, ultimately, tooth loss.
Chronic Headaches, Migraines, and Earaches
Chronic headaches, migraines, and earaches can develop as lasting consequences of teeth grinding on your oral health. The continuous grinding exerts pressure on the muscles and joints in the jaw. Bruxism can result in excessive force, leading to tension headaches that may manifest in the temples, forehead, or the back of the head.
Moreover, migraines, marked by intense throbbing pain, can be activated by the grinding. The tension in the jaw muscles can also generate referred pain, contributing to earaches.
Effects on Longevity and Life Expectancy
It is essential to note that bruxism can even shorten your lifespan, as chronic teeth grinding can lead to severe dental issues and complications over time, having a cascade effect on every aspect of your health
One significant research paper from Friedman et al. in 2016 addressed how several studies showed that the number of teeth in aging humans actually affected life expectancy and longevity. What’s more, it even showed that tooth loss was a predictor of shortened longevity after studying a group of centenarians who had more teeth in their 65-74 age period than younger cohorts who died earlier.
While the effects of bruxism on natural teeth and the jaw are well known, it’s only recently that this clear link between tooth wear, damage, and loos and someone’s lifespan has been studied seriously, emphasizing more than ever how crucial the treatment of bruxism is for people who suffer from it.
Treating Permanent Damage
Having delved into the lasting impacts of teeth grinding on your overall health, it is crucial to address the potential remedies for rectifying the enduring harm inflicted by this condition.
Dental procedures and interventions can aid in repairing affected teeth and gums, easing discomfort, and enhancing overall oral well-being.
Dental Treatments and Interventions
Proper dental treatments and interventions are necessary for both avoiding or addressing the permanent damage caused by chronic and untreated teeth grinding.
Dental professionals play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these conditions, ensuring the restoration of oral health and functionality.
- Dental procedures: For damaged or cracked teeth, dental crowns, veneers, and bonding are available as options, as well as dental implants for permanent tooth loss. Root canals are an option when cavities and infections have taken hold if grinding and clenching have weakened the surface of teeth enough.
- Orthodontic treatment: In severe cases of bruxism, orthodontic therapy such as braces or aligners may be needed to correct misaligned teeth and improve the bite.
- Periodontal treatment: Bruxism can lead to gum recession and periodontal issues, so treatments like scaling and root planing may be necessary to restore gum health.
- Tooth extractions: In cases of severe damage where a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be required, followed by options like dental implants or bridges.
- Jaw surgery: In cases of severe bruxism causing jaw misalignment or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, corrective jaw surgery may be recommended.
Non-Invasive Treatments and Medication for Bruxism
Non-invasive treatments and medication can effectively manage bruxism before it gets worse and causes some of the permanent and long-lasting damage we’ve covered here. These options are more cost-effective than delaying treatment until teeth are severely damaged or relying on bruxism to resolve itself.
Night Guards and Mouth Guards
Dental professionals commonly recommend night guards and mouth guards as effective non-invasive treatments for bruxism. These devices are intended to be worn during sleep, serving as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth to prevent them from grinding against each other and reduce the resulting damage. However, guards are not meant to remove the root causes of the bruxism or even correct the behavior but simply provide relief for the worst symptoms.
Custom-made to fit each individual’s mouth, these guards ensure optimal comfort and efficacy. Crafted from a resilient yet pliable material, they can endure the pressures caused by grinding and clenching. By using these devices, individuals with bruxism can alleviate symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and tooth sensitivity, as well as prevent further dental issues.
It is essential for dental professionals to inform their patients about the advantages of using night guards and mouth guards as part of a comprehensive bruxism treatment plan.
Muscle Relaxants
While there are multiple non-invasive treatments and medications available for bruxism, one effective consideration is the utilization of muscle relaxants.
Muscle relaxants can assist in easing the tension resulting from the continuous clenching and grinding of teeth, thereby diminishing the severity and frequency of teeth-grinding occurrences.
These medications function by targeting the muscles engaged in jaw movement, aiding in their relaxation and preventing involuntary contractions. Typically prescribed by a dentist or physician, muscle relaxants are usually taken before bedtime to offer relief during sleep.
It is crucial to emphasize that a healthcare professional should supervise the use of muscle relaxants, as they may induce side effects and necessitate careful monitoring.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
One effective approach to managing bruxism and minimizing the risk of permanent dental damage involves utilizing stress and anxiety reduction methods as well as medications. Stress and anxiety are significant factors in teeth grinding, and by addressing these root causes, individuals can alleviate bruxism symptoms and safeguard their dental well-being.
Non-invasive stress reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help calm the mind and body, decreasing the tension and anxiety that often trigger teeth grinding. These practices foster a sense of tranquility and overall health, which can be advantageous for individuals dealing with bruxism.
In addition to stress relief techniques, medications can also be prescribed to help manage bruxism symptoms. Anti-anxiety medications may be recommended to relax the individual and lessen the inclination to grind their teeth.
Biofeedback Therapy
Biofeedback therapy is a mind-body approach that entails monitoring and giving immediate feedback on physiological functions like muscle tension, heart rate, and temperature. It aims to assist individuals in mastering the skill of managing their body’s reactions to stress and pain through self-regulation. When addressing TMJ disorder, biofeedback therapy can be advantageous by guiding individuals to enhance awareness and regulate the muscle tension in their jaw and face. By mastering relaxation techniques for these muscles, patients can alleviate pain, enhance jaw function, and effectively cope with stress-related symptoms linked to TMJ disorder.
Take Your Dental Health Seriously: Treat Bruxism Quickly
To recap, the long-term risks and consequences of untreated bruxism can lead to serious dental damage and overall oral health issues.
It is crucial to take your dental health seriously and seek professional help with the first signs of teeth grinding. By visiting your dentist or oral health provider promptly, you can receive the necessary diagnosis, treatment, and guidance to prevent further damage and preserve your dental health.
Remember, early intervention is key to protecting your teeth and ensuring a healthy smile for years to come. Don’t wait – schedule an appointment if you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile.
